Which test is commonly used to evaluate nutrient levels in soil?

A soil fertility test is specifically designed to evaluate the nutrient levels in soil, making it essential for understanding the nutrient content available for plant growth. This test typically involves analyzing the soil for key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, as well as micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc. The results from a soil fertility test help in making informed decisions regarding fertilization and soil amendment practices, allowing for optimized crop production and soil health.

Other tests, while important in soil assessment, do not focus solely on nutrient levels. A soil moisture test assesses the amount of water present in the soil, which is critical for irrigation and drought management but does not provide information about nutrient content. Soil texture analysis determines the proportions of sand, silt, and clay in the soil, impacting water retention and drainage, but it is not a measure of nutrient levels. Soil salinity tests measure the concentration of soluble salts in the soil, which can affect plant health but do not directly assess the nutrient content available for growth. Thus, the soil fertility test stands as the most relevant and targeted method for evaluating nutrient levels.